Arango, Debora

▪ 2006

      Colombian artist (b. Nov. 11, 1907, Medellín, Colom.—d. Dec. 4, 2005, Medellín), earned an international reputation for her inventive and provocative artworks, many of which depicted the ills of Colombian society. Arango studied art from the age of 13, eventually attending the Instituto de Bellas Artes in Medellín before working for a time with noted muralist Pedro Nel Gómez. She increasingly addressed social issues in her work. The subjects of her paintings included prostitutes, the poor, and victims of political violence—as well as corrupt government officials. Though her paintings often stirred controversy and criticism in Colombia, they gradually gained acceptance. The Museum of Modern Art in Medellín collected many of her works. In 2003 Arango was awarded the Cruz de Boyacá, Colombia's highest honour.

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